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TSA tells travelers they are welcome to fly the 'friendly skies,' but leave the guns, knives & bombs at home

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Some of the 46 firearms that were confiscated by TSA security during luggage searches at airports across the country. The TSA has very strict rules for flying with guns and these were found to be in violation.
(Courtesy of the Travel Security Administration)

The list of weapons confiscated was disclosed on the TSA blog on Friday afternoon.
The federal agency that is in charge of security at airports regularly reveals what types of weaponry was found in the carry-on luggage of ordinary travelers.

In addition to the blog, the agency regularly posts photos on the social media site Instagram, which has proven to be popular. Some 56,000 people follow the TSA Instagram page for up-to-date photos of confiscated guns, knives and assorted pointy things, as well of the many bomb-sniffing dogs under government employ.

The agency goes out of its way to publicize confiscated items as a way of reminding traveler to not to travel with guns, knives and assorted pointy things, and explosives.

“Unfortunately these sorts of occurrences are all too frequent which is why we talk about these finds," writes Bob Burns of the TSA blogging team. “ Sure, it’s great to share the things that our officers are finding, but at the same time, each time we find a dangerous item, the line is slowed down and a passenger that likely had no ill intent ends up with a citation or in some cases is even arrested”

View full sizeA live fragment grenade that was found in a man's luggage this week at Los Angeles International Airport. The TSA says whether it is a real explosive or a replica, never bring it to an airport.Courtesy of the Travel Security Administration

The live MK 2 hand grenade, commonly used by American forces in World War II, was found in carry-on luggage at Los Angeles International Airport. The discovery resulted in the terminal being shut down, and 800 passengers on five flights being delayed for nearly 2 ½ hours until the bomb squad could remove it safely. The owner of the grenade was arrested on felony charges.

An inert grenade was also found in a checked bag at Tucson International Airport.

“We continue to find inert hand grenades and other weaponry on a weekly basis,” Burns said. “Please keep in mind that if an item looks like a real bomb, grenade, mine, et cetera, it is prohibited…Even if they are novelty items, you cannot bring them on a plane.”

Of the 46 firearms, 41 were loaded, and 17 had rounds in the chamber and ready to fire.

The TSA allows law-abiding gun owners to fly with their guns but only under very specific, very restrictive conditions. Namely, the firearm must be unloaded and locked inside a hard-sided container that has to be checked in as baggage. All firearms, ammunition or firearm parts cannot be brought aboard as carry-on luggage, and they have to be declared when the owners check in their bags.

Burns said many of the people who bring this stuff to an airport are not would-be terrorists. Often, people are absent-minded or just don’t know any better, he said. Ultimately, it’s the law enforcement officials and the courts who decide what the intent was.

“This is a friendly reminder to please leave these items at home,” he said.